A’burg hosts Bluewater Minor Midget Showcase game

Amherstburg played host to the 2011-12 Bluewater League Minor Midget Showcase at the United Communities Credit Union Complex Monday evening.

The East and West teams consisted of the brightest star in the Bluewater Minor Midget league. Players from Southpoint, Chatham, Riverside, Belle River and Tecumseh made the East team while Amherstburg, Windsor, LaSalle, Erie North Shore and Essex made up the West team.

Six Amherstburg players highlighted a talented west team. Daniel Tonietto and Midget Majors starting goalie Mitch Topliffe represented Amherstburg between the pipes while Kiefer Wright was the lone Stars defenseman and Josh Laframboise, Noah Renaud and Ryan Holzel were chosen as forwards.

Zak Parelette was also to play in the game, however was forced to sit out because of an injury.

Amherstburg was well represented in the Minor Midget Showcase game with six players being named to the west team. Front row (L to R) goaltenders Daniel Tonietto and Mitch Topliffe. Back row (L to R) Kiefer Wright, Ryan Holzel, Zak Parlette, Noah Renaud and Josh Laframboise.

Amherstburg Minor Hockey Association vice president of travel hockey Paul Tonietto said as soon as the UCCCUC opened last year he put Amherstburg’s name in to host not only the showcase game but also the Bluewater Day of Championship in April.

“It’s nice to showcase not only the kids but facility as well,” said Tonietto. “With the U17’s coming here it’s a good opportunity to show everyone what we have as far as facilities.”

Tonietto said the AMHA has turned a corner as an organization. He noted that AMHA has committee more ice time to travel hockey. He said that ice time is more expensive but it’s worth it.

“I don’t care about the track suits or the license plate holders, I like practice time,” he said. “As much practice time as possible.”

Travel teams are on the ice three hours for one week and an hour and a half the next.

“If you look at our organization record it’s improving year after year,” he said.

This year the AMHA travel record is 111-86-26.

Tonietto also stood behind the boards, beaming with pride as he watched his son Daniel play the opening 20 minutes in net.

“He’s having a great year,” said Tonietto. “He’s only got one loss this year.”

Daniel followed in the footsteps of his father, who also was a goalie, but Tonietto said he’s

Ryan Holzel races down the ice in pursuit of the puck.

passed the torch long ago.

“He surpassed me years ago,” joked Tonietto.

Amherstburg’s Josh Laframboise and Ryan Holzel were amongst the brightest star in the game.

Holzel was the first Amherstburg player to get on the score sheet after burying a rebound from a point shot.

“It felt pretty good to score in front of the home crowd,” said Holzel.

Holzel said being chosen to play in the showcase game was a great experience and plans on using it for motivation for the rest of the season.

Josh Laframboise scored twice, including a shorthand breakaway in the third period. Laframboise, who also wore the “C” said he was on pins and needles prior to the game.

“I was nervous all day,” said Laframboise. “I was lucky enough to get chosen to play and there are scouts here. I just wanted to get noticed and hopefully I do.”

Laframboise said it was an honour to be the captain of the west team while playing on home ice.

“I’m so glad to represent our team,” he said.

While Amhersburg had six players named to the team, the Minor Midget coaching staff were on the bench calling the shots. Head coach Darren Kapetanov was joined by assistans Jeff Laframboise and Glen Holden, trainer Randy Wismer and manager John Holzel.